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New Michigan Law Requires Training In Human Trafficking!
Effective January 14, 2015, a new law amending the Michigan Public Health Code (MCL 333.16148) has been put in place that requires all licensed health professionals in the state of Michigan to complete training related to identifying victims of human trafficking. This law was passed recognizing that health professionals may be more likely to encounter a potential victim of human trafficking while delivering patient care than the average worker or citizen of the state. For current licensees, this means that completion of a training program for identifying victims of human trafficking will be required as early as the next renewal cycle. Those who will be renewing their licenses as early as 2017 should be completing this training now to ensure they are in compliance. MMHCA is in the process of scheduling such training with expert Jeremy Norwood. Watch our website for dates to come as early as August, 2016.
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MMHCA DUES ARE GOING UP.
- Annual membership rates will increase on July 1st. All full Membership $100 / Students $65
- LIFETIME membership is now available. Email: jamesblundo@att.net
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Executive Director Report
Out of My Mind
We need your membership and donations now!
No professional association in the state has done more for the counseling profession than the Michigan Mental Health Counselors Association (MMHCA).
- We can no longer retain our vital lobbyist support because of the cost. Our funds have been depleting quicker than they can be replenished. As a non-profit organization, the last few years we have spent an average of $15,000 a year with contract increases every year. Lobbying is key to protecting our license and advancing our ability to provide services on par with other professionals.
- MMHCA has been in existence for almost 40 years! Without our lobbyist we will be virtually powerless to protect and advance our license, and all public policy.
- Our progress as a profession is at stake! We have made great strides with BCBSM, but there is much more to be done. E.g. Medicare, Testing, Billing codes, bureaucratic system access and revisions
- Go to: www.mmhca.org to join and/or donate. Note the check box for automatic renewal.
- Go to: jamesblundo@att.net with questions about your membership.
- Annual membership rates will increase on July 1st. All full Membership $100 / Students $65
- LIFETIME membership is now available. Email: jamesblundo@att.net
Progress made to date:
- Lobbying for and Passage of LLPC/LPC Legislation
- Helped develop scope of practice under LPC License
- Major advocate for counseling profession since the inception of our license
- Blocked several attempts to limit our scope of practice including diagnosis
- Negotiated Blue Cross direct reimbursement implemented January 1, 2016
- Blue Cross testing codes for reimbursement are being expanded
- Medicare pending legislation includes counselors as full providers for the first time
- Created greater Community Mental Health recognition and employment positions
- No longer considered less competent mental health providers
This is the top 10 list we are actively pursuing:
1. Integrative Care in Hospitals and Outpatient Clinics
2. Expansion of Independent Group Practices
3. School based mental health services
4. Wellness programs in and outside of the medical profession
5. Major Rural Mental Health providers
6. Go to experts in diagnostic and evaluation of clients for assessment and guidance of services in the judicial, medical, and educational institutions
7. Highly rewarding and financially successful consulting and private practices
8. Meeting your training needs through workshops, conferences, webinars
9. Social media connections to better network with the 10,000 LLPC/LPC's in Michigan
10. Portability and Reciprocity across the country
We need your membership now!
Can we count on you?
James Blundo, LPC, CCMHC, NCC
MMHCA Executive Director
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UPCOMING EVENTS
June 11 Networking Breakfast at WMU in Kalamazoo
Summer Blue Cross Training
Summer Human Trafficking Workshop
Fall Trauma Workshop in Lansing
October 2, 9, 16 Psychometrics Training
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Have you seen our new and improved website?
If you haven't already, please check out our new website at
www.mmhca.org Currently all Member Only Pages have open access for a limited time. You can renew your membership two ways now, either renew once a year, or set it up to renew automatically. As a member you can have your name listed on the Find a Counselor page. See details in this newsletter. You can also register for events, read the latest articles, and support our lobbying efforts in Lansing by making a donation. MMHCA is lobbying to both protect and advance the profession with the legislature and bureaucratic systems in the state of Michigan.
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As a MMHCA member you can be listed on the Find a Counselor Page of the new MMHCA Website. Please
click here to see the information needed. Contact Colleen Tavor
cmtcounseling@gmail.com to be added.
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TRAUMA WORKSHOP IN LANSING
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Details are coming soon about the Trauma Recovery Workshop being presented by Dr. Collin Ross. Date will be set for fall 2016, watch our website for news of this event as soon as it is set for registration.
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Michigan Mental Health Counselors Association
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Irrational Snake Thoughts
"Man is not disturbed by events, but by the view he takes of them" so Epictetus tells us. Well, evidently he never had a garter snake enter his garage on a chilly May morning! My irrational self-talk kicks into full gear! I can't live here if the garter snake is going to come into the garage whenever he wants, we are going to have to move! People try to reassure me that garter snakes eat mice and are harmless. Really do I have to share my front walk and garden with him? As I watch for him to leave the garage when the sun warms our yard, I notice that he has a family, two smaller snakes are waiting for him to return to their spot next to the walkway! I try all my usual tricks to change my view on this situation. I write humorous poems about my snake in my poetry class. I discuss the situation with anyone who will listen to me. I ask Siri numerous questions about the habits of garter snakes. I wear my rain boots every time I go outside to garden. I counteract my needless distressing thoughts with anything I can come up with. I even start a new yoga class. Might need to move on to thought stopping and worry control efforts. Perhaps a workshop on stress management is in order, I may suggest it at the next MMHCA Board meeting. Are there any workshops you would like to see? Let us know, MMHCA is your organization!
Newsletter by
Cindy S. Goldman, MEd, LPC, NCC
MMHCA Member at Large
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